1987 Williams Sisters Homicides

On Dec. 29, 1987, around 8:32pm, 40-year-old Suzanne Williams and her 37-year-old sister Patricia Williams were found murdered inside their West Knoxville apartment. They lived at the Statesview Apartments #91, now named Mountain View Apartments which is located at 601 South Peters Road. There were no signs of forced entry into the apartment, and it was thought that one or both of the sisters may have known their attacker.

Both women were known to frequent a sports bar called Doodles, which is now Makino Japanese Buffet at 8217 Kingston Pike. Patricia was somewhat more outgoing when approaching men at Doodles, much to Suzanne’s disapproval. Patricia usually would approach men by having a bartender or waitress give them a note. According to an employee, this night was different. Patricia was approached by a man, and eventually left with him. He was described as being well groomed and wearing fresh pressed clothing. He was white, 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches, late 20’s to early 30’s, with brown hair, beard and mustache. He was wearing cowboy boots, jeans, a tan down-filled vest and a top coat.

Suzanne was found nude on her bed. Her hands and feet were bound, and she had been raped and strangled with a window cord.

Patricia was found on the floor of her room. She was bound, gagged and strangled with a shoelace.

Subject described as a W/M, 6'0" to 6'2",175-180 lbs., late 20's, early 30's, dark brown hair, beard and mustache. Suspect last seen wearing cowboy boots, jeans, tan sleeveless down vest, put on a top coat when he left bar.

If you have any information, please call the Knox County Sheriff's Cold Case Investigations Unit at 215-2243 or e-mail us at coldcase@knoxsheriff.org